High School Football Preview: Prattville Christian Academy
Prattville Christian Academy football is looking to rebound after a 5-5 season that saw them miss the playoffs last year. The Panthers are hoping for a spark under fourth-year coach Norman Dean, who has been leading many of these players since their freshman year.
“Three of them over there have started for us for three years,” Dean said about the experience of Bryce Masters, Ryan Kiefer and Cody Baker. “And now they’re not going out there as the ninth grader. Now they’re going out there as a senior.”
This offseason, PCA football added former Tallassee head coach Michael Battles as defensive coordinator.
“He’s really good at what he does,” said defensive and offensive lineman Masters. “Really has a lot of wisdom. Coached for a lot of years. He’ll help us a lot.”
Ryan Kiefer noted changes to the defense.
“Blitzing. We do a whole lot more blitzing this year. Defensive formations, a lot more. We do it three, four and 7-4-3.”
Senior quarterback and defensive back Mason Battles transferred to PCA from Tallassee High School.
“There’s not a lot of us since it’s little private school,” he said, “and to be successful, we’re all going to have to bear together and really give 100%.”
Running back and linebacker Cody Baker said he’s ready to make his senior year count.
“I just say watch out,” Baker said, “because I feel like we’re about to get really hot this year.”
